Puerto Vallarta is preparing for an evening of festive fun, all in the name of a worthy cause. The Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV) will host its annual Mardi Gras/Carnaval fundraiser on March 16th, from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. This exciting event will take place in the spacious atrium of the Puerto Mágico Cruise Terminal, offering a delightful atmosphere for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy.
Attendees can anticipate a joyful experience filled with live music and dancing, complemented by a delicious buffet dinner and drinks. Tickets are available for 2000.00 pesos per person, with all proceeds directly benefiting the IAMPV’s efforts to provide music education for the children of Puerto Vallarta.
In addition to the lively entertainment, the Mardi Gras/Carnaval Silent Auction will present a wonderful opportunity to bid on an array of enticing treasures and unique experiences. Some of the featured items include:
- A thrilling Whale Watching Tour for two courtesy of Natour.
- An enchanting Butterfly Experience for two, complete with transportation.
- Generous gift certificates from popular local restaurants.
- Valuable chiropractic services.
- Exquisite handcrafted jewelry featuring red amber, turquoise, and rose quartz.
- Stylish fashion accessories.
- Original works of art.
- A spectacular Dream Vacation in Canada: Imagine a peaceful escape to a beautiful log house on Shuswap Lake in central British Columbia. This idyllic setting, a short drive from Kelowna or Vancouver, offers a fully-equipped modern kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplace, a large furnished patio, laundry, a barbecue, and shared dock access, accommodating up to six adults. Just bring your walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a smile for an unforgettable getaway.
The musical highlight of the evening will be provided by IAMPV’s own Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra, Puerto Vallarta’s first and only youth jazz big band. Guests will be treated to a delightful selection of music from renowned artists such as Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ray Charles, and Herbie Hancock. The dancing will continue after the live performance with a DJ providing a mix of upbeat tunes. Get your tickets online at iampv.com.
The IAMPV continues to offer more musical events, so mark your calendars for upcoming Orquesta Sinfónica de Vallarta (OSV) concerts on April 6th and 7th. Also, don’t miss another FUNdraiser on March 30th, a Brunch Fundraiser with the International Friendship Club at Oscar’s on La Isla Cuale. Tickets are 1100 pesos for IFC members, 1300 pesos for non-members.
Support Music Education in Puerto Vallarta
Beyond these exciting events, there are numerous ways to contribute to the IAMPV’s mission. Cash donations are crucial in providing instruments and instructors for the next generation of musicians. Many former IAMPV students have gone on to successful professional careers, attributing their experience with the organization as a source of both musical training and life inspiration. A donation of 10,000 pesos provides 25 music lessons.
The IAMPV is also actively seeking a permanent home. Despite the success of the Chamber Orchestra and Salty Paw, the organization has never had its own dedicated space. While the American School and Estacion Gourmet have generously provided temporary space, the IAMPV now needs a location to house its rehearsals, lessons, and equipment. The organization envisions a space that includes:
- A spacious, preferably air-conditioned room to accommodate rehearsals for approximately 40 musicians, including large percussion instruments, keyboards, an upright bass, and a choir.
- Secure storage for instruments.
- Dedicated teaching space.
- Accessible parking and proximity to a bus line.
To contribute to this dream, contact iampvinfo(at)gmail.com.
Additional Ways to Help
IAMPV is seeking donations of:
- Musical instruments, specifically student violins, bassoons, bass clarinets, and baritone saxophones.
- A truck or van for transporting equipment.
- A storage space such as a bodega or garage.
- A professional sound system with microphones and cables.
- A smartphone.
- Cash donations to support vital education programs.
If you can assist with any of these needs, please contact iampvinfo(at)gmail.com.
Calling All Musicians!
Do you have musical talent and a desire for a rewarding experience? The IAMPV invites you to join its ranks! No audition is required, and instruments may be available for those who need them. The Vallarta Symphonic Orchestra (OSV) has openings for brass, violins, violas, cellos, bass, and percussion players. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings at Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC). For more information, email iampvinfo(at)gmail.com
Shop for a Cause
An effortless way to support IAMPV is through shopping! Visit DejaNew consignment shop at Venustiano Carranza 450 in Zona Romantica. Simply bring your clean clothing, shoes, and accessories to DejaNew, inform Coquita that they are for IAMPV, and the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the nonprofit. This “passive fundraising” is a great way to declutter your closet while helping a worthy cause.
Puerto Vallarta has a wonderful opportunity to support the growth of music education in the community. Through attending events, donating, or volunteering, everyone can play a role in nurturing the musical talents of Puerto Vallarta’s youth.
IAMPV (Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta) is a non-profit educational music institute whose mission is to bring the joy of music to children and young adults in the greater Banderas Bay area. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program with many levels of instruction and different musical disciplines. Musical instruments are provided to beginning students.
For more information about the concerts, IAMPV programs, or how you can participate, visit IAMPV.org, or IAMPuertoVallarta on Facebook.